Month Twenty-eight

Your toddler’s dexterity is getting better, so how she uses her hands is improving no end this month. Now she can truly multitask as she walks well holding her sippy cup one-handed (and the right way up!) and turns the pages of a book carefully and slowly.

She enjoys playing with blocks and building towers, and is probably pretty good with a crayon (your white walls are not safe!).

While her dexterity improves, her tantrums have probably reached a peak. Now going to the store, visiting friends or going to the pediatrician probably results in a meltdown. As tempting as it is, try your hardest not to bribe your child with food rewards – for example, don’t say that if they’re good at the store they can have a cookie, or that if you eat all their dinner they can have some ice cream. Using food to control your child’s behavior will invariably backfire as your child will begin to associate unhealthy food with rewards for being good. It is a much better idea to say to your child after shopping, “you were so good at the store today, mommy is very proud of you”. Toddlers are egotistical and there is nothing more that they love than parental praise. See our Behavior area, or dealing with tantrums and averting tantrums.

It can be very easy to become so involved in your toddler’s life: playdates, daycare, fun activities at the weekend, making sure your child has plenty of fresh air during the week, that you forget to take some time for you. The first three years is an important time in your child’s life but not if mom and dad are stressed, rushed off their feet and don’t spend any time together. This month, make time for you both to go out for dinner or spend a day out away from your child if you can get a friend or relative to mind them. For many parents a second baby has already arrived and this is even more reason to spend some time together without the kids around. See making time for one another?.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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Last Modified: 17/06/2008

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